Guptill sets the pace at the top for New Zealand

Derbyshire batsman Martin Guptill opened the batting for New Zealand in their second World Cup game against Scotland in Dunedin.

Guptill was a man in a hurry, hitting 17 off 14 balls, as he looked to inject a fast scoring approach in his side’s attempt to chase down 143 in breakneck speed.

The Kiwi opener smashed two fours in as many overs and then found back-to-back boundaries at the start of the third, before his ambition got the better of him and his attempted lift over long off was edged behind to Matthew Cross.

Kane Williamson top scored with 38 as the Black Caps chased down the total inside 25 overs, with three wickets remaining.

Guptill hit 49 as New Zealand made a winning start to the 2015 Cricket World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by 98 runs in Christchurch.

Guptill struck five fours in his knock of 49 off 62 balls as the Blackcaps secured a convincing victory in the opening fixture of the tournament.

It was a special match for the powerful opener, as he competed in his 100th One Day International for his country, only the 23rd New Zealander to reach the milestone.

New Zealand top group A with four points, with Australia close behind on two. Sri Lanka, England and Scotland are all yet to register a point.

Guptill is back in action on Friday morning (1am GMT) as New Zealand face England at Wellington.

Guptill will be back in Derbyshire colours this summer. The top-order batsman will be available for the opening six LV= County Championship matches and three NatWest T20 Blast fixtures, before joining New Zealand ahead of their One-Day International (ODI) series versus England in June.

The 28-year-old is making a fond return to The 3aaa County Ground after enjoying successful spells with the club in 2011 and 2012, during which he scored 1,131 first-class runs at an average of 43.50, including three centuries.

Stay up to the minute with the local cricket scene, along with other sports, at www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport.

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